Overview & Reviews

The Pontiac brand is part of the General Motors family, and is home to many of the automaker's more performance-oriented vehicles. Currently, the marque offers a broad range of sporty cars and SUVs. However, as part of GM's restructuring plan, the brand is slated to be discontinued by the end of the 2010 model year.

Pontiac originated as the Oakland Car Company of Pontiac, Michigan, in 1907; it was founded by Edward Murphy. Acquired by General Motors in 1909, Oakland introduced the first Pontiac vehicle in 1926. Dubbed the "Chief of the Sixes," the car was powered by a six-cylinder engine and made its debut at that year's New York auto show. It was so successful that the Oakland name was phased out in favor of Pontiac, the name of an 18th-century chief of the Ottawa Indians. Throughout the 1930s and '40s Pontiac made coupes, sedans and wagons in the low-to-mid price ranges. A unique styling cue of Pontiac cars from the mid-'30s to the mid-'50s was known as "Silver Streak," a set of art-deco-inspired chrome "speed lines" that ran up over the length of the hood to the base of the windshield.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the Pontiac Bonneville. The sprawling, stylish cruiser offered equal measures of performance and luxury, and was a breakout hit. But it wasn't until the 1960s that the Pontiac brand truly came into its own. American manufacturers had begun to offer downsized alternatives to the gigantic cruisers that had ruled the highways in previous decades. Pontiac came to market with the compact Tempest. In 1964, Pontiac made its biggest impact yet with the creation of the GTO option for the Tempest. By equipping the car with the powerful 389 cubic-inch V8 from the full-size car line, Pontiac created the first "muscle car." Phenomenally successful, the GTO helped define the burgeoning muscle car category. Pontiac also saw tremendous success during the latter part of this decade with its Firebird and Firebird Trans Am.

The oil crisis of the '70s made fuel efficiency a priority for many car buyers. Following the lead of its GM siblings, Pontiac made compact vehicles like the Ventura and Phoenix a major part of its lineup. The '80s saw the launch of the two-seat Pontiac Fiero. Despite its modest beginnings (it was initially marketed as a "commuter car"), the Fiero eventually blossomed into a credible sports car.

The '90s saw the launch of Pontiacs like the Sunfire and Montana minivan. Pontiac has slowly lost sales due to changing tastes and a lack of differentiation between its models and those of other GM divisions. In hopes of recapturing past glory, the division embarked on a plan to retire aged models and introduce all-new ones with distinctive styling and personality. For a while, the effort seemed to be bearing fruit. New models like the Vibe, Solstice and G8 made Pontiac a brand to consider in many segments. However, GM's financial troubles in 2008 and 2009 have resulted in the company's decision to phase out Pontiac as a brand. It's expected 2010 will be Pontiac's last year for new models.

User Reviews:

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  So far - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Cathy - June 10 - 6:16 am

  2005 G6, Ive always liked the look of them so bought one this past month. At this time Im glad I bought a Pontiac, always been a Honda lady! But after having 2 different transmissions go out on them American made for me this time. Love the feel and the roof love it, opens up 4 times. I would like a new one one day!

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  Great Car - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By singledt - June 9 - 7:36 pm

  I have thoroughly enjoyed owning my Grand Prix. It has nice acceleration and a smooth ride. It handles very well in all conditions, even snow. All the controls are within easy reach and are easy to find. I was surprised by just how large it is on the inside. There is plenty of room in the backseat for passengers to be comfortable and not have their knees in their chest. The trunk is also very spacious and can hold tons of luggage. I drive this car from Nebraska to Florida two or three times a year, and have no complaints. Except that I wish Nebraska was closer to Florida.

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  Happy Owner - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By KH - June 7 - 4:03 pm

  After a month, weve got 2000 miles and am really convinced its the right car for me. We went planning to get another G6 but decided to check out the less expensive G5. Im 64" and didnt really think it would work out for me but it does! I even had room in the one with the sunroof! Tight handler, roomy for 2 plus luggage and getting better than EPA rated 32 mpg. Have to watch it though, it sneaks up to 80 mph real easily!

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  AUSSIE SUPER EIGHT - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Graham Davies - June 7 - 9:16 am

  this car is a real performer, tried & tested for years in Australia this fully imported machine is awesome, being from Australia I have always been a HOLDEN guy, & when I heard they were being exported to th USA, I had to have one, who cares if they changed the name from HOLDEN MONARO to PONTIAC GTO this machine kicks butt !

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  My shot at better gas mileage - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Ed Smith - June 6 - 8:46 pm

  We traded a 2004 Yukon for this vehicle and thus far it has been problem free. It feels sure footed and corners nicely with little lean. It has a bit more road noise in the cabin than I care for but it is not overly annoying. The 2.4 liter engine is peppy for its size but no wheel spinner either. Gas mileage has been fairly good at near 22 around town and running slightly above 30 mpg on the highway. Rear seat room is above average and comfort. All in all I consider it a good buy with the c/d player radio and ON Star. Id buy another one!

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  Great Car - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Heather - June 6 - 4:03 pm

  I am currently leasing me 4 door G6 and I absolutely love it! I drive over 100 miles a day and i am averaging about 27 mpg at about 75 mph which i think is just great! I am in a reliable car with plenty of safety features and great gas mileage and an awesome payment for the car! Low payment and a lot of luxury for the money! Its been exceptional so far and I would recommend it to anyone!

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  Love it, way less $ than another Outback - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Alaska Gal - June 6 - 3:30 am

  Got it last week after ten years of Outbacks... less $, no heated seats or mirrors, but peppy, a little more noisy but more room for rear passengers, lots of pizzazz, better braking distance, WAY better price. Still have 00 Outback SW. Only tows 1500, vs. 2700 now for OUtback, and 2200 when I bought mine,....but I did not get it to tow. 28.5 mpg last tank of gas ;D, about 25 my first... I usually get city avg mileage from EPA, 21 or 22 avg on Outback; 15 avg summer on Chev Trlblazer EXT.

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  Love this car! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Jrosauer1 - June 4 - 4:53 am

  Great car! Considered the Solstice at first, but was more impressed with the hardtop option on G6. Decent interior, best to opt for Sport Package for quicker 3.9 V6. Quiet with top up, good looks with top up or down. Great visibility, minimal blind spots. Looks far better in person than online pics.

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  Good Car - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Preston&Jonathon - June 3 - 11:16 pm

  We bought this Grand Prix roughly a month ago. We love it! Before this we had a Grand Am GT which was great, and help in purchasing another Pontiac. The grand Prix, is much more refined and much smoother looking and running. Although for its size and weight the base 3.8 can feel a little bit weak at times. And fuel economy leaves room to be desired.

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  Good Car - 2005 Pontiac Grand AM
  By greg - June 3 - 4:10 pm

  This car is pretty fast and fun to drive and a very great buy for its price. Its my first car and I happy with the choice I made.